Revolution Books This nonprofit, volunteer-staffed bookshop has been at its present location since 2000, but for 20 years before that it lived in Wrigleyville. Though the inventory leans heavily to the left, you can find more than just Noam Chomsky and Bob Avakian on the shelves; there are sections for philosophy, history of religion, sociology, and even fiction. The store also hosts author readings, discussions, poetry readings, films, and musical events. Wed-Fri 2-8 PM, Sat noon-8 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 1103 N. Ashland, 773-489-0930. —JL

Quickies! This monthly series at the Inner Town Pub (see Bars) offers readings of “very short prose” in which each reader has five minutes to get through a complete original piece—no excerpts. Next event: Tue 5/13, 7:30 PM, Inner Town Pub, 1935 W. Thomas, quickieschicago.blogspot.com. —JL